Clinging to playoff hopes, FC Dallas will try to build on weekend win

This Story is About...

Share This Story On...

FC Dallas’ 3-2 home win over Colorado on Saturday can be viewed in two ways.

On the one hand, that victory, only FCD’s sixth of the season, can be seen as a possible springboard as the club enters its final nine matches seeking a third straight playoff berth. Dallas moved into sixth place in the Western Conference but still sits 10 points behind Los Angeles, which occupies the fifth and final playoff spot.

On the other hand, Dallas beat a Rapids club that is in freefall under first-year coach Oscar Pareja, a former FCD player and assistant coach, and beating a team that is now 2-8-0 over its last 10 matches isn’t exactly notable. But Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman will take wins however they come.

Dallas got a strong performance from 20-year-old forward Ruben Luna, who played a full 90 minutes for just the second time in his career. Luna could be in line for his second straight start Wednesday night as FC Dallas visits Vancouver.

Scott Sealy, who because of a hip problem was replaced by Luna on Saturday night, did not travel with the team as FCD begins a stretch of three road games against fellow Western Conference clubs, all of whom are positioned to make the playoffs.

“Some big strides have been made [by Luna],” Hyndman said. “We’ve got to continue to work with him.”

A big story Saturday was the two huge saves that FCD goalkeeper Kevin Hartman had in the first half, keeping Colorado from building on a 1-0 lead.

“Kevin has made some tremendous saves. He’s been outstanding,” Hyndman said. “He’s a team leader. You can see him motivating players from the back.”

Now FCD will look to build on that victory at fourth-place Vancouver. Dallas, however, has only one road win all season, and the Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last nine games at BC Place dating to April 18.

“They’re a team that’s absolutely loaded with talent,” Hyndman said. “They’ve got a solid attacking team. The defense is solid. They’re just a solid team that’s going to be very hard to beat, especially up there.”

FCD follows with games at second-place Real Salt Lake on Saturday and at Los Angeles on Aug. 26.